The Hindu Society of North East Florida (HSNEF) in Jacksonville is inviting applications for full-time Hindu priests to serve the growing devotee community. This is a meaningful opportunity for qualified pujaris and archakas to perform daily Vedic rituals, special festivals, and homams while living in a vibrant part of the United States.

About Hindu Society of North East Florida (HSNEF) Temple

Located at 4968 Greenland Rd, Jacksonville, FL 32258, HSNEF serves a diverse Hindu community that includes North Indian, South Indian, and other sampradayas. The temple has sanctums for Lord Ganesha, Lord Shiva, Lord Venkateswara, Goddess Durga, Lord Muruga, Goddess Lakshmi, Goddess Andal, Lord Krishna, Lord Rama, Navagrahas, Lord Anjaneya, and more.

Jacksonville's Indian community continues to grow, with many families in IT, healthcare, and business. The temple plays a central role in preserving Sanatan Dharma for the next generation through regular pujas, major festivals, spiritual lectures, and satsangs.

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Job Duties — What the Full-Time Priests Will Do

Selected priests will handle a wide range of responsibilities with full independence:

  • Daily Vedic rituals, morning/afternoon/evening pujas, abhishekam, and aarti across multiple sanctums
  • Special ceremonies including Satyanarayana Pooja, Kalyanautsavas, homas, vratams, pratisthas, and brahmotsavas
  • Performance of Shodasha Karmas and Apara kriyas (final rites) as per Hindu Dharma Shastra
  • Leading bhajans, chanting stotras (Vishnu Sahasranama, Lalitha Sahasranamam, Rudra Parayana, etc.), and explaining meanings to devotees
  • Conducting off-site services at devotee homes when required
  • Organising and leading major festivals with traditional grandeur

Priests must be willing to work on a revolving schedule and serve all sanctums with equal devotion.

Requirements and Qualifications

HSNEF is looking for learned priests with strong traditional training:

  • Qualified in performing Shodasha Karmas (including Apara rites) with certification from a recognised university, Hindu religious organisation, or Indian government institution
  • Minimum 5 years experience as a resident priest in a Hindu temple (India or abroad)
  • Well-versed in Vedic rituals and proficient in at least one Vaishnava or Shaiva Agama tradition
  • Good conversational English + Hindi (multi-lingual Indian languages preferred)
  • Willingness to relocate to Jacksonville, Florida and cooperate with R-1 visa process if needed
  • Desirable: Experience leading major festivals, alankaram skills, teaching shlokas, leading bhajans, and basic computer knowledge

R-1 Visa Sponsorship & Benefits

HSNEF prefers R-1 visa holders, US permanent residents, or citizens but is willing to sponsor R-1 visa for the right candidate. Initial contract includes a 3-month probationary period. Salary and benefits are based on qualifications and experience.

How to Apply for HSNEF Hindu Priest Jobs

Send your application to info@hsnef.org (or chair@hsnef.org with subject "Priest Position"). Include:

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  • Detailed CV / Resume
  • All certificates and transcripts
  • Passport copy
  • Current visa / immigration status documents
  • Letter from previous employer and two references
  • Letter from Sanskrit / Vedic scholars (preferred)

Temple management will contact shortlisted candidates and may request chanting samples.

Life in Jacksonville, Florida for Indian Families

Jacksonville offers a warm climate, beautiful beaches, no state income tax, and a growing Indian community with temples, grocery stores, and cultural events. It is family-friendly with good schools and a lower cost of living compared to many major US cities.

FAQs — Hindu Priest Jobs at HSNEF Jacksonville

Q: Is R-1 visa sponsorship available?

A: The temple is willing to sponsor R-1 for selected candidates. Final decision depends on qualifications and interview.

Q: Do I need US experience?

A: 5+ years temple experience (India or abroad) is required. US experience is a plus but not mandatory.

Q: What sampradaya experience is needed?

A: Priests should be comfortable serving both North and South Indian traditions across all sanctums.

Apply soon and turn your Vedic knowledge into meaningful seva in America.